Mango Season Begins in Pune with First Box of Kesar Mangoes Auctioned for Rs 31,000

Pune, 13th January 2025: The eagerly awaited mango season officially began in the fruit section of the Market Yard on Sunday with the arrival of the first box of Kesar mangoes from Devgad. This box, containing 5.25 dozen mangoes, was auctioned for an impressive ₹31,000, surpassing last year’s prices.
The box was delivered to the shop of trader Aniruddha alias Bapu Bhosale. It originated from the orchard of farmer Saad Mulla in Devgad and was brought to Pune by Pranit Manjrekar of Sai Mango Service. The auction was won by businessman Raosaheb Kunjir.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including senior BJP leader Baba Misal, Market Committee Fruit and Vegetable Department Head Balasaheb Konde, and All Pune Flower Market Traders Association President Arun Veer. Other prominent traders and officials such as Yuvraj Kachi, Gaurav Ghule, Rohan Jadhav, and Balbhim Majalgave were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Bapu Bhosale and Balbhim Majalgave highlighted that while the first arrivals in past years were usually Alphonso mangoes, this year marked a shift with Kesar taking the lead. They attributed this to weather changes, which have delayed the arrival of Alphonso mangoes. The regular inflow of mangoes is expected to commence from March 15, with the quality anticipated to be excellent.
Kesar mangoes, traditionally a product of Gujarat, are now being cultivated extensively in the Konkan region. The favorable climate of Konkan has boosted Kesar production in recent years, leading to earlier arrivals and an increase in supply.